The annual Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships competition is scheduled to be held Saturday, September 9th, at the Venice Beach Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice.

The bench press and deadlift comprise the events for the contest, which offers men, women, juniors and Special Olympians a chance to compete in one of more than 30 weight and age classifications, under the rules of the United States Powerlifting Federation.

The bench press requires participants to lie on their back on a horizontal bench and press a weight supported by a barbell straight up from their chest, locking their elbows at the top, and then bringing it back down to their chest.

For the deadlift, competitors start in a standing position, then bend forward and lift a barbell with weights attached, return to an upright position, then lower it back to the ground.

Registration is $70 per lifter through Friday, September 8th, and $80 (cash only) on the day of the event.

Qualified competitors can enter additional divisions for $20 each, and groups can pay an extra $70 to enter as a team. The fee for Special Olympians is $25 per participant.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in all classes, except for Special Olympian, where the top five lifters will be honored for their accomplishments.